There are distinct advantages to using a tow truck company when you need quick car moving services. At other times, it's a much better decision to utilize a long-distance auto transport company to move a vehicle. Whether you're relocating across the country or dealing with a short-distance emergency, understanding the key differences, benefits, and drawbacks of each option is vital to getting the best value.
This informative guide will explore the difference between tow trucks and cross-country auto transport companies. In what situations should you choose tow trucks over professional car hauling? When should you schedule professional car shipping instead of calling your local tow truck operator?
Below, we’ll explore how these services work and how to determine the best fit for your particular situation.
What is a Tow Truck Company?
Local tow truck companies specialize in short-distance vehicle transportation, often in emergencies. A tow truck company is a perfect option if you have a sudden breakdown or need to move a car across town.
Tow truck companies specialize in short-distance vehicle transportation, often in emergencies. Whether you’ve had a breakdown or need a car moved across town, a tow truck company can help.
What are the Advantages of Towing Companies:
1. Quick Response: For urgent situations like accidents or stalled vehicles, you can contact tow truck companies 24/7.
2. Good for Local Moves: Perfect for moves under 100 miles, especially when you're in a lurch.
3. Flexible Scheduling: Unlike auto transport companies that require advance booking, towing services are usually available on-demand.
4: Inoperable Vehicle Towing: Many tow truck companies specialize in moving inoperable cars. You can quickly deliver a car to your local mechanic for immediate care.
5. Parking Violations: Is there a car blocking your driveway or parking spot? Are you a business owner looking to clear your lot of illegally parked vehicles? Tow truck companies are a quick way to deal with these situations.
Drawbacks:
1. Not Affordable for Long Distances: Towing a car beyond local distances will cost a massive premium.
2. Vehicle Wear and Tear: Standard towing methods, such as wheel lift or dolly towing, can stress your vehicle's tires, suspension, and drivetrain over long distances.
3. Safety Risks: Tow truck services are designed to move cars quickly on tight schedules. Hasty operations leave your car open to potential damage over long distances.
4. Lack of Personalized Services: If you need to ship a classic car or luxury sedan, white-glove service like enclosed car shipping is a much better option than simply towing a car.
Tow trucks are a great solution for local, same-day vehicle moves, but they’re not designed for long-distance transportation.
What is a Long-Distance Auto Transport Company?
Auto transport companies are designed for planned vehicle relocations over long distances. They use specialized vehicle carriers to ensure efficient and safe transport.
Advantages of Auto Transport Companies:
1. Cost-Effective for Long Distances: An auto transport company usually divides costs among multiple vehicles on one carrier, making cross-country transportation much more affordable.
2. Minimized Wear and Tear: Vehicles remain stationary on carriers, avoiding the strain and variance associated with towing.
3. Convenience: You can ship your car while traveling by plane, saving time and effort. Alternatively, you can let a long-distance car transport company do the work, which is much easier.
4. Wide Coverage: The benefits of car transportation are clear when shipping a car from state to state. Professional auto transport companies operate nationwide, offering affordable shipping services across all 48 contiguous states.
5. Shipping Options: Tow truck companies offer a single method of operation. Cross-country car shipping companies usually offer open, enclosed, expedited, and specialty auto transportation services.
Drawbacks:
Scheduling Requirements: Advance booking is often necessary or advised for long-distance auto transportation. This may not work for last-minute needs.
Potential Delays: If you opt for open long-distance car hauling, your car will likely be shipped with up to eight or nine other vehicles. Due to logistical factors, pickups and deliveries might take longer.
Inoperable Vehicles: You will pay a premium to ship an inoperable vehicle with a long-distance car shipping company. Inoperable automobiles require special tools such as winches to load and offload onto a car hauler.
Cross-country car transportation is a perfect solution for planned, long-distance moves. Auto transport companies are also much safer on average and provide economical moving services when you're moving from state to state or coast to coast.
Comparing the Costs of Tow Truck & Auto Transport Companies
Tow truck services and long-distance auto transportation companies have very different pricing structures. One is tailored to short-distance emergencies, and the other is designed for shipping cars across longer stretches.
Here are the different pricing methods for tow truck operations and cross-country automobile transport services:
Tow Truck Companies: Rates vary based on distance, vehicle size, and service urgency. While affordable for short hauls, towing fees can skyrocket when crossing state lines due to additional mileage charges and fuel costs.
Some tow truck companies refuse moving services for long-distance auto transport. If they do accept long-distance orders, you'll pay much more for service than you would with a cross-country vehicle shipping company.
Auto Transport Companies: Auto transportation companies employ dynamic pricing structures that depend on factors like distance, vehicle type, and shipping method (e.g., open or enclosed transport). As diesel fuel costs have dropped, per-mile costs for car shipping have dropped accordingly. Moving a car across the country is much more affordable than many customers think.
Use an accurate, up-to-the-minute car shipping cost calculator to estimate your expenses for long-distance moves.
When to Choose Towing or Auto Transport?
Tow truck companies and long-distance car transportation companies each provide vital services for customers like you. Both fill in the gaps for the other, delivering essential customer care for different situations.
1. You Should Opt for Towing When:
· You’re dealing with a breakdown or emergency.
· The vehicle needs to be moved short distances (under 100 miles).
· Same-day service is required.
2. Choose Auto Transport When:
· Moving a car cross-country or between states.
· Transporting a high-value or classic car.
· Looking to avoid wear and tear on your vehicle?
Make the Right Car Transport Choice For You
Choosing between a tow truck company and a long-distance auto transport company depends on your specific needs. Towing is a reliable option for emergencies or short trips. However, if you're planning a cross-country move or need to transport your vehicle without driving, a long-distance auto transport company offers affordability, safety, and convenience.
If you're shipping a car out of the state or across the country, move it with a long-distance car transport company. You'll pay much less per mile, and your car will be much safer when held stationary on an open car hauler or within an enclosed truck.
Are you ready to transport your car? Use our instant car transport cost calculator to learn more about long-distance car towing or cross-country car shipping and get an instant vehicle transport quote.
